The First Trimester Abortion Procedure

Length of a pregnancy is calculated from the first day of the last normal period.  That will be established by a pelvic or ultrasound examination, also called a sonogram. A medical history and laboratory tests will be performed prior to the abortion procedure. Once that date has been established and pregnancy is confirmed, a series of lab tests are performed. Vital signs and a medical history will also be taken prior to the abortion procedure.

Depending upon the length of pregnancy, abortion is either a one, two, or three day procedure. A complete set of instructions to fit the patient’s specific situation will be furnished prior to the abortion appointment.

 

The abortion procedure will be performed in one of two ways. vacuum curettage, dilation and curettage (D&C) or dilation and evacuation (D&E) with vacuum aspiration.

 

Once the procedure is complete, the patient will go to the recovery room before being released to go home. You should bring someone to accompany you or arrange other transportation. Any required post-operative medication is available from our Pharmacy.. A free post operative exam is also available, as is further counseling if needed.

For a termination of pregnancy in the second trimester (over 13 weeks) it will usually be necessary for the patient to make two or three visits to the clinic.

 

On the first day, the patient will be asked to complete a medical history form regarding any previous or current illness and/or health problem. Laminaria insertion and abortion consent forms will be presented for the patient’s careful reading. A counselor is available to answer any questions.

 

This same trained professional will also discuss the procedure, necessary after care, and anything personal the patient might like to share.

 

Laminaria insertion will be done on the first, and if necessary the second,  visit to the clinic,  prior to the abortion procedure. They will be inserted in the cervix (opening of the uterus) where they will absorb body fluids, expand and gently dilate the opening. Actual insertion time is about five minutes.

 

A complete set of instructions to fit the patient’s specific situation will be furnished. The patient must stay within one hour’s drive from the clinic after the laminaria insertion.  Information about local hotels or motels is available from our clinic staff. 

 

On the day the procedure will be completed, the patient should carefully follow the instructions given to her before returning to the clinic. The termination procedure is performed under with a local anesthetic which is used to numb the cervix.  Patients 17 weeks or over will receive intravenous sedation if physician feels this is medically indicated.  Almost all patents qualify for this.  The patient feels she has fallen asleep and awakens with no memory of the procedure.  The laminaria will be removed and the uterus will be evacuated using instruments designed to perform this safely.

 

After the procedure, the patient will rest in recovery (usually 1-3 hours). Upon satisfactory recovery, the patient will be dismissed. We require the patient to have someone available to drive her home.

The Law

Several courts including the United States Supreme Court have recognized the right of the individual to be free from unwarranted intrusion into the decision whether to bear or beget a child. As a result, our clinic does not require husband's consent for married women however parental notification for minors is required by law.

Disclosure Requirements

The Texas Department of Health is the responsible agency for complaint investigations.  You may register complaints with the Director, Health Facility Licensing and Compliance Division, Texas Department of Health, 110 West 49th Street, Austin, Texas 78756.  Complaints must be registered with the department in writing.  A complainant must provide his/her name.  All complaints shall be confidential.

Toll-Free Telephone Number

1-888-973-0022
You have the right to access certain information concerning this abortion facility by using the toll-free telephone number listed above.  If you make a call to the number your identity will remain anonymous.

The toll-free telephone line can provide you with the following information:

• whether this abortion facility is licensed by the Texas Department of Health;
• the date of the last inspection of this facility by the Texas Department of Health and any violations of law or rules discovered during that inspection that may pose a health risk to you;
• any relevant fine, penalty, or judgment rendered against this facility or a doctor who provides services at this facility.

Linea de Informacion gratuita

1-888-973-0022
Usted tiene el derecho de obtener cierta informacion concerniente a este centro aborto usando la linea de informacion gratuita que aparee arriba.  Si usted llama a este numero, su identidad permanecera anomia.

La linea de informacian gratuita puede ofrecerle la siquiente informacion:

• Si este centro de aborto tiene licencia del Departamento de Salud de Texas.
• La fecha e la ultima inspeccion de este centro por el Departmento de Salud de Texas, y cualquier infraccion de la ley o de las reglas descubierta durante esa inspeccion, que pudiera poner en pelgro su salud.
• Cualquier multa, pena o senencia impuesta en contra de este centro o de algun doctor que preste servicios en ese lugar. 

West Side Clinic
2011 Las Vegas Trail
Fort Worth, Texas 76108
817-246-2446  800-749-7269
Phone Answered 24 hours a day